The city of Dayton introduced a resolution today that opposes “Stand Your Ground” legislation being considered in the Ohio House.From Ohio Public Radio station WYSO, Emily McCord reports that Dayton is the first city in the state to come out against the bill.

Right now, Ohio law says you have the right to defend yourself if you’re in your home. But if you’re outside, you have to retreat if a path is open.

If House Bill 203 is passed, it would allow you to fight back anywhere.

The city of Dayton passed a resolution Wednesday opposing this bill. Commissioner Nan Whaley says it won’t help the city’s initiative to reduce gun violence, and that citizens have raised concerns about the bill.

“A lot of the state legislation has a really direct effect on our community -- both as a city organization and then our community at large,” she says. “We feel like we have a responsibility to communicate with the state Legislature on our positions that would affect our community and the people living in Dayton.”

Advocates for the bill say it will make Ohioans safer by giving them the right to defend themselves. Dayton's resolution will be sent to state lawmakers.

Listener Comments:

I believe if you are somewhere you are legally allowed to be, that you shouldn't have to take a chance on getting hurt much worse or even killed by fleeing an attack, if iI'm where I'm legally allowed and my family or an innocent stranger or myself come under attack you should be able to defend yourself or someone else no matter where you are. And I'm sure if anyone was getting attacked you would be thankful if someone was there to help instead of running away, I know if it were me getting attacked I would be forever grateful!Posted by: Eric (Meigs County) on September 6, 2013 9:09AM

This is atrocious. It's obvious our lawmakers have their hands in the the pockets of the NRA and the Koch Brothers. The nation saw how this law works by the Zimmerman case and a man walking away after murdering a child. The jurors felt he was guilty but HAD NO CHOICE but to say not guilty due to this stupid stand your ground law. WE CANT HAVE IT!Posted by: Jodi Gillman (Clark County) on August 29, 2013 6:08AM